Churches told to ignore threats

Dodoma. The opposition bench yesterday said they will not back down until the government issues a comprehensive statement on its letters to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania (ELCT) and Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC).

The bench, which comprises Members of Parliament from Chadema, CUF and NCCR-Mageuzi that together form the Ukawa group, called on leaders of the two churches with millions of the faithful, to ignore the government’s letter.

“We will not give in. During these 10 days the government has given the two churches to rescind their Easter messages, we will ensure that we speak about the issue in the parliament until a statement is issued,” said Mr John Mnyika (Kibamba-Chadema) during a joint press conference with MPs representing the opposition.

The press conference was called after the deputy Speaker, Dr Tulia Ackson, dismissed a question by James Mbatia (Vunjo–NCCR-Mageuzi), who had asked the Prime Minister, Mr Kassim Majaliwa, to explain the government’s position over the letters, which have been delivered to the two churches over their Easter pastoral messages.

“It should be remembered that sometimes back, the Speaker, Mr Job Ndugai, dismissed a question by Ubungo MP, Mr Saed Kubenea, who asked about issues related to Islam. This too will not be answered,” said Dr Ackson.

However, speaking to journalists, Mr Mbatia said it was unfortunate that the government was creating unnecessary tension with members of the two churches.

“The Speaker starts by praying for the nation and for the parliament every morning. Can we say he is interfering with religious affairs? We are sworn in using Bibles and Quran, are we interfering with religions?” he queried. He said all the rights and freedoms, including those to do with worship and expression, are clearly articulated in the xonstitution of the United Republic of Tanzania.

In his remarks, Mr Abdallah Mtolea (Temeke - CUF) said the government needs to understand that mosque and church goers have more trust in their religious leaders than they do with political leaders.

“Nobody is reminded about going to the church or to the mosque, but we need all sorts of enticements for one to go to attend a political rally. This needs to sink well into the minds of the government leaders,” he said. The MPs are opposing the government’s move to write to the two churches, demanding them to publicly rescind their Easter messages to the nation, which it views were politically-motivated.

In a letter – addressed to the ELCT and signed by a Mr Komba from the ministry of Home Affairs – the government threatens the religious body that it will take legal action if they do not act accordingly within 10 days.

In its Easter message – which was signed by all its 27 bishops – the ELCT condemned the government’s divisive actions and renewed call for a new constitution that they believe would drive Tanzania out of the current challenges.